Matthews Police Department

06/23/2026

**UPDATE**

Power to all traffic signals has been restored and are now operational.

Traffic Alert - Due to an issue with a transformer, the traffic signals are out on Highway 51 from Sardis Road to Paces Avenue as well as the lights on Fullwood Lane. Please treat these traffic signals as four-way stops. Duke Energy is en route.

Matthews Fire & EMS
Mecklenburg EMS Agency - Medic
Town of Matthews, NC - Government

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day

Today we recognize and celebrate the dedication, leadership, and care that fathers and father figures bring to their families and communities.

06/15/2026

Please be aware of this training event on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Purser-Hulsey Park.

On Tuesday, June 16th, Matthews Fire & EMS and the Matthews Police Department will use Purser-Hulsey Park for Junior Fire & EMS Summer Camp training activities.

Throughout the day, campers and staff will participate in hands-on scenarios involving K9s, drones, radios, and all-terrain vehicles. Training mannequins will also be placed throughout various areas of the park as part of the exercises.

Please do not be alarmed by the increased public safety presence, equipment, or training activity in the park during this time. We also ask that visitors please do not move or touch any of the mannequins or training equipment.

Thank you for your support as we help educate and inspire the next generation of firefighters, EMTs, and public safety professionals.

06/12/2026

**UPDATE**

The road is now back open.

Traffic Alert - Idlewild Road is closed in both directions between Stallings Road and I-485 due to a downed powerline. Please use an alternate route of Lawyers Road or Hwy. 74.

Matthews Fire & EMS
Mecklenburg EMS Agency - Medic
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Town of Matthews, NC - Government

06/12/2026

Media Release - Missing (Villavicencio - 20260611009)

**UPDATE** June 12, 2026

He has been safely located.

June 12, 2026

Please help us locate Jair Villavicencio (DOB - 09/29/2007), who was last seen on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m., walking in the 10600 block of Idlewild Road, wearing a white shirt with blue stripes on the arms, black pants, and work boots.

He is described as a Hispanic male, 5 foot, 8 inches tall, weighing 195 lbs., with curly black hair and brown eyes.

Please call 911 or 704-847-5555 with any information as to his whereabouts.

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06/06/2026

Congratulations!

We are happy to announce that Matthews Police Officer Trainee Ernest Peace graduated this week from the South Piedmont Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (B.L.E.T.) and is well on his way to soon being sworn in as an officer.

Pictured L to R: Lt. Duryee, Captain McGuirt, Officer Trainee Peace, and Chief Avens.

06/04/2026

Independence Festivities

Join us on Friday, July 3 for a double dose of patriotic fun as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday!

First up, our Family Celebration at Stumptown Park! The fun kicks off at 5:00pm with live music from The Hitmen Party Band, bounce houses, festive food, balloon twisting, and craft beer from Seaboard Brewing until 8:30pm.

Then, head over to the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews for our third annual Fireworks Spectacular. Fireworks are scheduled to launch at 9:30pm.

**The start time for fireworks could be a little later, depending on the weather conditions and visibility.**

As a courtesy to others and our community, please take your trash with you when you leave the fireworks display.

We can't wait to see you there!

Town of Matthews, NC - Government
Matthews Police Department
Matthews Fire & EMS

06/03/2026

MPD Connect #6 - Chief Avens Year One Recap

In this episode, Chief Avens sits down to reflect on his first year as Chief of the Matthews Police Department. He discusses our achievements over the past year regarding staffing, traffic enforcement, partnerships in deterring crime, our community programs, as well as our goals for the future.

You can find all MPD Connect episodes on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0atfMQR2mOPEbiRbSHjPwV
YouTube Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/.../podcasts

05/30/2026

**UPDATE **

Road is now back open.

Traffic Alert - Sam Newell Road is closed just prior to Independence Point Parkway due to flooding. Please use an alternate route of Hwy. 51 or Sardis Road North.

Matthews Fire & EMS
Mecklenburg EMS Agency - Medic
Town of Matthews, NC - Government

05/30/2026

Media Release - Missing (20260529014 - Colon)

May 29, 2026 **UPDATE**

He has been safely located.

May 29, 2026

Please help us locate Mr. Hector Jose Colon (DOB - 11/03/1948), who was last seen on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 9:46 a.m., wearing a dark colored ball cap, silver glasses, a blue collared shirt, blue jeans, and grey sneakers (as pictured). He is known to frequent downtown Matthews.

Please call 911 or 704-847-5555 with any information as to his whereabouts.

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